Teen killed in post Eid prayers' protests in Kashmir

A teenager was killed as clashes broke out between the security forces and stone-pelting youths immediately after the congregational Eid prayers on Saturday in Kashmir.

Reports said protests and clashes erupted in Anantnag after the Eid prayers.

The protesting youth threw stones at security forces deployed in the area, who responded by firing tear gas shells and pellets, triggering further clashes. More than 10 protesters were injured.

The injured were shifted to the district hospital in Anantnag, where one of them, Sheeraz Ahmad from Brakpora, died. Two protesters who were hit in their eyes by pellets were referred to Srinagar for specialised treatment.

However, a police spokesperson refuted the reports that the youth died in clashes with security forces.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that a hand grenade exploded, resulting in Sheraz's death due to splinter injuries. His right hand is fully damaged. Further details are being ascertained,” he said.

Clashes also erupted in Srinagar's Eidgah area after the Eid prayers. Reports of similar clashes were also received from south Kashmir’s Pulwama area, north Kashmir’s Palhallan and Kupwara, and a few other places.

Later, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper was injured after militants attacked the paramilitary party in Lasjan area on the outskirts of Srinagar. Sources said militants opened indiscriminate fire upon the CRPF's 29 battalion at Lasjan near Pantha Chowk. Reports stated that a trooper suffered injuries and has been hospitalised.

On Friday evening, a 17-year-old youth was killed and two injured after the army allegedly opened fire on protesters in Nowpora Payeen village of Pulwama.

The latest killings have once again brought the Valley to the edge as the month-long suspension of operations against militants in Jammu & Kashmir comes to an end on Saturday.

Last month, the Centre announced the suspension of anti-militancy operations in the state during the holy month of Ramzan.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that the ceasefire was announced till June 16 and any further decision on this matter will be taken only after June 17.